REGIONAL SECURITY OFFICE (RSO)
The Regional Security Officer is a Special Agent with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, the security and law enforcement branch of the U.S. Department of State. Diplomatic Security is a leader in international investigations, threat analysis, and the protection of people, property, and information. Every US diplomatic mission in the world operates under a security program designed and maintained by Diplomatic Security. In the United States, Diplomatic Security Special Agents protect the Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries, and investigate passport and visa fraud.
Below are some useful links related to security in Sweden. (Please find consular information sheets and worldwide travel warnings in the Consular Section of the website.)
Swedish Crime Barometer (presented by the Swedish National Council for the Prevention of Crime)
Overseas Security Advisory Council - Stockholm (Security liaison with the US commercial sector).
INFORMATION FROM THE US DEPARTMENT OF STATE'S COUNTRY REPORTS
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Sweden remains largely free of terrorist incidents. However, like other countries in the Schengen area, Sweden’s open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility of terrorist groups entering/exiting the country with anonymity. Americans are reminded to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site, where current, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement can be found.
Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States , or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment , see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad .
CRIME: Sweden has a relatively low crime rate with rare, but increasing, instances of violent crime. Most crimes involve the theft of personal property from cars or residences or in public areas. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers often work in pairs or groups with one distracting the victim while another grabs valuables. Often they operate in or near major tourist attractions like Stockholm’s Old Town, restaurants, amusement parks, museums, bars, buses, and subway trains. Hotel breakfast rooms and lobbies attract professional, well-dressed thieves who blend in with guests and target purses and briefcases left unguarded by unsuspecting tourists and business travelers. Valuables should not be left unguarded in parked vehicles.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
Sweden has a limited criminal injuries compensation program for victims of violent, personal, and property crime. Foreign citizens who are victims of crime on Swedish territory are eligible to apply for compensation but if the victim and offender’s affiliation to Sweden is transitory in nature, compensation may not be awarded even though the crime occurred on Swedish soil. Application forms in English are available at local police stations and other government agencies as well as on the Internet at www.brottsoffermyndigheten.se. Claimants are generally notified of the program’s decision within four months.
See our information for Victims of Crime.
PDF INFORMATION
A Presentation of the Swedish Police
Diplomatic Security Partnerships for a Safer World
